Crank shaft not shifting

[silverbullet]

If its got an undiagnosed weepy barrel seal it may have rusted the bore and seized a piston.
You should be able to pull a DG over or at least rock it by hand with the plugs in.
Good luck.

[Davtee]

Thanks for all the advice folks - removed plugs, sprayed plusgas in there - turned fine after the slightest of pressure on the wrench - now to see if it starts!

[VWlewis]

Thanks for all the information on this discussion - very helpful.

I am about to get my 2.1 litre DJ engine to tun over after 10 years of it being stored. 

Please can anyone tell me the size of the bolt head on the crankcase pulley - looks like 32mm socket might fit but I need to buy one as I don't have one of these.

Thanks
 

[maxstu]

Thanks for all the information on this discussion - very helpful.

I am about to get my 2.1 litre DJ engine to tun over after 10 years of it being stored. 

Please can anyone tell me the size of the bolt head on the crankcase pulley - looks like 32mm socket might fit but I need to buy one as I don't have one of these.


Thanks
 

Standard size bolt head is 30mm

[VWlewis]

Thanks for the update - 30mm socket fits the 3 pulleys as well as the single pulley.  I got a low profile 3/8" socket sold as a low profile oil filter socket for a VW Polo and Golf. 

Having removed the spark plugs and spraying some GT85 into the cylinders it turned over perfecly with a small 3/8" ratchet so soon time to try the starter motor.  Also topped up the cooling water bottle with some antifreeze (blue) and the engine oil half way between low and full.  Added oil to the engine - now halfway between low and high on the dipstick and cleaned the -ve cables screwed into the engine body.

Anything else to check before turning over with the starter with the spark plugs removed?

 

[silverbullet]

Once running, flush out the blue coolant and at least refill with fresh green mix. It has limited life better than the old blue.
Going pink/purple requittes a full and thorough system flush to prevent any chance of chemical reactions making brown tar inside the system.

[VWlewis]

I turned over with the starter today with a new battery installed, the plugs removed and the distributor arm removed.  It sounded fine and the oil light went our after three turnovers.

So I put new spark plugs in and replaced the distributor arm.   Then I turned the key and it sounded as if something blew as there was a click and a smell of something burning but I switched off immediately.  The engine did not turn over.  I will check the starter motor connectors next (I meant to do that already).

Anything else that might need checking?

Cheers

[Burtybassett]

Hello folks, my poor van has been standing untouched for about 5 years, the belt has perished and fallen off which has allowed me to see if the crankshaft will turn, but, it's stuck solid. What are the best steps for seeing if I can get it to budge. I need to put a socket on it right and see if I can move it - is there a technique to this, don't want to do any more damage by shearing anything. Anything else I can do? It's a 1.9DG
Ta
 

You said the belt has perished and fallen off....I'm assuming you've replaced it with another ??

[VWlewis]

This happened today when trying to start with the new spark plugs installed !   I think the solenoid has blown up.. any comments / suggestions
 

[Robsey]

If it has been stood, then you should only try to turn the engine by hand

On a first crank,
I would have left the plugs out, and dipped the clutch to minimise the work for the starter motor.

My DJ was kept under a cover in my back garden for 12 years.

It was initially very stiff from being stood for so long.
But after using a long L-bar and socket on the crank pulley, it quickly freed up with no nasty scraping or rubbing noises.
Check your oil levels first, to make sure there is oil to get to where it needs to be.

I would do this first before trying to run up the engine on the starter.

[VWlewis]

If it has been stood, then you should only try to turn the engine by hand

On a first crank,
I would have left the plugs out, and dipped the clutch to minimise the work for the starter motor.

My DJ was kept under a cover in my back garden for 12 years.

It was initially very stiff from being stood for so long.
But after using a long L-bar and socket on the crank pulley, it quickly freed up with no nasty scraping or rubbing noises.
Check your oil levels first, to make sure there is oil to get to where it needs to be.

I would do this first before trying to run up the engine on the starter.

Thanks - I have done all that and this was the final step to actually start the engine.  It was strange that I did turn over the engine by hand and then with the starter with the plugs removed and the distributor arm removed.  So it looks like the solenoid to me .. I about to remove the starter and check it on the bench.  I have a used replacement on hand.
 

[davidoft1]

This happened today when trying to start with the new spark plugs installed !   I think the solenoid has blown up.. any comments / suggestions
 

What are we looking at or is it a video as it doesn’t play

[VWlewis]

it is a still from a video at the moment when the spark occurred.

[davidoft1]

it is a still from a video at the moment when the spark occurred.

Ah yeah I can see it now , did it make any noises ? Solenoid is further back could be teeth be teeth not properly engaging

[VWlewis]

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The crank turned 30 degrees and I have also turned it over manually after this event.